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Coping With Sad Feelings

Feeling sad? You're not alone. Everyone feels sad at times. Sometimes sad feelings last only a moment. Other times, they last a little longer.

It’s OK to feel sad. But sad feelings don't have to take over your mood or ruin your day. You can do things to help yourself feel better. When sad feelings ease away, a happier mood can take their place.

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It's normal to feel sad now and then. Lots of things can make kids feel sad. Sometimes they're big things, sometimes they're small.

You might feel sad when things go wrong.

It could seem like your day is ruined! But be on the lookout for a little act of kindness. You'll feel better when someone reaches out to help.

You might feel sad if something favorite gets ruined.

There might be no way to fix it. And that can be upsetting. But finding a little bit of good in a bad situation can help you deal with it.

You might be sad if you feel left out.

Sometimes you can't join in a game that's already started. So make your own fun. Or ask someone else to play. That can help you feel happier.

You might feel sad if someone acts rude or mean.

Getting picked on can make you feel upset and alone. Find a friend and stick together. With a friend by your side, hurtful words seem easier to ignore.

You might feel sad when someone dies.

When a loved one dies, we feel a sadness called grief. It takes time to feel better. But thinking of happy times you shared helps you feel love that will always be in your heart.

You might feel like crying during the sad part of a movie.

When something sad happens to someone else, you might feel sad too. Let someone close know how you feel. Their support helps you get through sad moments.

You might be sad when you miss someone.

Maybe someone you love is far away. It's not the same when they're not here. But finding ways to stay in touch helps you feel close and loving.

You can cope.

It's OK to feel sad at times, but every kid needs to know how to feel better. The next time you're sad, think of something you can do to help sadness melt away.

Medically reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD

Date reviewed: January 2023

A KidsHealth Education Partner Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.